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Magistrate questions DIG how police bail was given to accused
Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage on Friday called for a report from Colombo DIG Gamini Mathurata how police bail was granted to a neuro-surgeon who was accused of assaulting and injuring a guest at an event in a five star hotel in Colombo.
The Magistrate said the Police had no authority to grant police bail on their own. The case has been filed after separate complaints were lodged in the Colombo Fort Police station following an incident that occurred at the ZONTA charity fund raiser at Galadari Hotel on February 28.
According to police Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital neuro-surgeon Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne has been accused of attacking Ms. Rhonda De Liey, a private sector employee. In a counter complaint Dr Wijeratne and her mother also have complained to the police that she was attacked by Ms. Liey.
Ms. de Ley has complained to the Colombo Fort Police that Dr. Wijeratne had slashed her with a piece of a broken wine glass. When the case was taken up on Friday the lawyer for Ms. de Liey told court that his client suffered grievous injuries in the attack while the Judicial Medical officer (JMO) had confirmed it.
Attorney-at-law Asela Ranawaka said the JMO’s report was received but the police had granted police bail to the suspect without producing her in court.
The Magistrate ordered the case be called again on March 27.Meanwhile the Police said that soon after the incident the complaints had been lodged and they had carried out investigations accordingly.
Police spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said that on the day after the incident the Colombo Fort police had summoned both parties concerned, but as only Dr. Wijeratne had turned up police bail was granted to her. He said the parties were informed to report to court last Friday.He said that on March 3 Ms. Liey had produced a report from a private doctor about the injuries caused to her forehead, hands and shoulder while Dr. Wijeratne’s mother had complained that she too was assaulted.
He said the police hope to submit a further report about the alleged assault on Dr. Wijeratne’s mother. Police have recorded statements of five hotel employees who witnessed the incident while closed circuit TV footage is being analysed.